Fashion's a breeze when you've got money to blow. But getting that fresh-from-the-runway look gets tricky when you're short on cash. Here's how to look good for less in a material world:

Redefine the word sale

Sounds basic, but to really save a bundle on clothes you have to be willing to pass up enticing promotions (15% off; free shipping; gift with purchase) and hold out for the hard-core sales (40% off is good; 50% and up will land you a buy for almost what it cost the retailer).

Don't stop buying

Counterintuitive? Well, think about dieting and how you pass on sweets and carbs until you binge. Scary, but it can happen with pent-up shopping desires, too (and credit card debt racked up in a binge will end up costing you a fortune). Satiate the fashion lover in you with a very small treat: you set the amount and frequency ($10 a month for new earrings, etc.) Pay with cash.

Shop in season

Sure, stuff is cheaper when bought at the end of the season or even out of season. And that's fine if you're just looking for any old thing to wear. But if you love fashion (and you do, or you wouldn't be here), you should shop as close to the season as possible. Otherwise you'll just waste your money on trends that will be out of style by the time the next year rolls around.

Swap with pals

Friends that wear your size (and share your taste) are a gold mine. You can even go large scale and organize a swap meet where everyone can switch shoes, clothes, etc.

Get rid of your inner snob

Scour second-hand and discount stores. Buy basics from the warehouse where you buy your paper towels in bulk. If vintage is your thing, haunt flea markets and garage sales.

Become a do-it-yourself whiz

Learn to whip together a new outfit on the sewing machine or simply turn old jeans into a new skirt. Recycling is an easy update: a ruffle on last year's skirt, a bow at the ankle of three-year-old strappy sandals.

No need to break the bank for a formal dress, when you can find great dresses for less than $100. Look gorgeous on a budget for your special occasion.

1. Red Dress

Nordstrom.com

This red jersey dress has a swingy, forgiving fit for a skirt, with a face-flattering ruched bodice.

2. Metallic Sequin Dress

Lew Magram

Turn up the shine in this sleeveless (but bra-friendly!) dress covered in silver sequins. 6-16.

3. Flutter Sleeve Dress

Pricegrabber.com

Count on the classics for your next formal event: this flutter-sleeve dress features a crossover bodice and comes in virtually every size from petites to plus.

4. Strapless Gown

Nordstrom.com

What a great deal on a long gown! Five colors, sizes 2-18: this strapless dress will take you to any formal event.

5. Taffeta Mock 2-Piece

Nordstrom.com

Top 5 Handbags Under $50

1. Leather Bag

eBags.com

Stone Mountain's signature pebble-grain leather adds to the appeal of this very affordable small leather bag. The bright green color (they call it "Sweetpea") adds to the appeal. Also available in black and bone.

2. Lambskin Clutch

eBags.com

With its sexy red color and luxe lambskin quilting, this clutch bag can pass for a much more expensive bag.

3. Patchwork Tote

Fashion Bug

Patchwork adds an artsy flair to everything this fall, and the bow -- well, that's just plain adorable, on this flannel and corduroy patchwork tote from Fashion Bug for just $19.50.

4. Quilted Bag

Old Navy

Why didn't anyone think of this before? A blue bag is the perfect go-with color for everything Fall, from grays to houndstooth. This oversized bag from Old Navy gets extra luxe with quilting and chunky hardware. 5 colors, $34.50.

5. Brown Textured Bag

Zappos.com

Tweedy cuteness is what you'll find with this hip-length shoulderbag. It has a removable strap, plus handles so you can carry it two ways; plus lots of storage for your necessities. $41.

Summer Fashion Trends

Tribal Trends
Fashion takes an exotic turn with an explosion of tribal looks.

10 Wearable Trends
Just because it's trendy, doesn't make it wearable for real women. We'll show you 10 current women's fashion trends that make the cut.

Dressing for Summer Occasions

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
An outdoor summer wedding is romantic, but it can cause panic with wedding guests trying to decide what to wear.

Dress for Your Body Type
Find a perfect special occasion dress that's right for your body. We'll help you find a style that flatters your figure.

What to Wear to a Class Reunion
Don't stress about getting dressed for class reunions. Find out the benefits of advance planning, choosing the perfect outfit and updating your look.

Style on a Budget

Dresses Under $40
No need to break the bank this summer. We'll show you stylish budget dresses for every occasion.

Swimwear

Find the Right Swimsuit for Your Body Type
Learn which styles look best on your body type, from a swimwear expert.

Shorts and Pants

Best Shorts for Your Body Type
Get set for warm weather with shorts that will look good on you.

10 Ways to Look Great in Black and White
Black and white are a warm-weather classic. Find out how to use new combos to look fresh and modern.

What to Wear When It's Hot

Trends

Would You Wear This Fashion Trend?
Which of the latest fashion trends would you wear? Browse through the photo gallery of trends like maxi dresses, sky-high stilettos, fedoras and much more, then sound off on which looks you love or hate.

5 Back-to-School Styles to Steal from Kids
Why let kids have all the fun? This season there are plenty of fashion-forward looks you can borrow from kids.

Quick 'n' Cheap Updates

Bows
Add a feminine touch to your Fall wardrobe by adding a bow look to everything from blouses to shoes.

Longer Skirts
Switch out your old, shorter skirts for a longer (and easier to wear!) skirt.

Skinny Belt
Pop a skinny belt over a vest, blazer or cardigan for an instant (and inexpensive) update.

Photo Galleries

Classic Chic

Before You Buy Fall Clothes
Don't be fooled by fashionistas who tell you menswear is "in" this fall: menswear is a fall classic! Find out what else you need to know before you shop for fall clothes.

How Tos

Lacoste

Scott Gries/Getty Images

• Marc Jacobs
  The king of cool sent out mixed-up separates and must-have bags at his Spring 2009 show.
• Michael Kors
  Michael Kors sent his own particular brand of American sportswear -- with lots of fullness and bold with dots or stripes -- down the runway.
• Vera Wang
  Vera Wang's smart separates and sheer layered pieces stood out from the other designers on the Spring 2009 Fashion Week catwalk.
• Betsey Johnson
  Betsey Johnson just wants to have fun and her pirate-infused line of ruffles, petticoats and corsets shared that at Fashion Week.
• Lacoste
  Lacoste showed three separate collections: a voluminous beachy version of the brand with dirndl skirts and loose layers, a sporty sherbert-colored line of great pieces like bodysuits and a young version of Lacoste with cute graphic prints.
• BCBG
  Color-spliced, cityscape hues and voluminous shapes showed up on the BCBG runway.
• Tracy Reese
  Pretty, pretty, pretty. A gorgeous show with wearable prints, colors and shapes: all feminine but not too frou frou.
• Diane von Furstenberg
  Mixed prints, floaty print chiffon and sheer layers came together for a boho vibe on Diane von Furstenberg's runway.
• Carolina Herrera
  Ruffles, corset tops, rose prints and appliques all appeared on Carolina Herrera's runway for spring.

6 Tricky New Trends: Would You Wear Them?